Research Data Archive Products
Babeldaob Island wildfires (2012+) (2nd Edition)
This data publication contains wildfire locations as well as areas of repeated wildfires on Babeldaob Island, Palau. These data were digitized from a variety of sources: handheld global positioning system (GPS) fire perimeter mapping, aerial photo fire perimeter mapping, and satellite image fire perimeter mapping.
Earl, Allyson R.; Geringer-Frazier, Barbara L.; Dendy, Julian T.; Mesubed, Dino; Giardina, Christian P.; Cordell, Susan; Holm, Tarita; Uowolo, Amanda L. 2024. Babeldaob Island wildfires (2012+). 2nd Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2022-0039-2
Elliot Ranch ponderosa pine Levels-Of-Growing-Stock study in Tahoe National Forest of California
This data publication includes tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH at 4.5 feet), and tree condition measured every five years from 1969 to 2019 at the Elliot Ranch in Tahoe National Forest, California. Height to live crown was measured in all measurement years from 1969 until 1999. The study was established in 1969 by William W. Oliver, a Research Silviculturist at Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station (currently, Pacific Southwest Research Station) as one of the joint, west-wide Level-Of-Growing-Stock study (LOGS) sites for even-aged ponderosa pine.
Zhang, Jianwei; Finely, Kaelyn A.; Uzoh, Fabian C.C. 2024. Elliot Ranch ponderosa pine Levels-Of-Growing-Stock study in Tahoe National Forest of California. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2024-0029
Forest dynamics after thinning and fuel reduction in Pringle Falls Experimental Forest – bark beetle response data
A set of thinning and fuel reduction treatments were implemented in 2013-2015 as part of the Lookout Mountain Study in Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, Oregon. These data were collected post-treatment implementation in 2014-2016 to investigate the short-term response of bark beetle populations to the treatments. During a complete census of dead and dying trees, measurements recorded include tree species; diameter at breast height; diameter size class; cause of death; crown class; presence/absence of: red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens), woodpeckers, and secondary infestation of beetles; burn severity at two heights; and coordinates.
Fettig, Christopher J.; Mortenson, Leif A.; Audley, Jackson P. 2024. Forest dynamics after thinning and fuel reduction in Pringle Falls Experimental Forest – bark beetle response data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2022-0043
Four decades of data on planted mangrove ecosystem carbon stocks
This data publication consists of over 40 years of data (1975-2023) on planted mangrove ecosystem aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB) and soil carbon (C) stock (down to 1 meter depth) data collated from 134 studies and reports encompassing a total of 809 planted stands (restored and afforested), as well as data from 370 intact stands reported in these studies for comparison. These data were distributed across 24 countries and 181 geographical sites (i.e., in a particular estuary, delta, open-coast area or lagoon). To assess how effective mangrove plantation efforts are at returning carbon stocks similar to those of intact stands in the same geographic location, we then calculated the C stock ratios (R) relative to intact mangrove stands in the vicinity for each planted mangrove stand.
Bourgeois, Carine; MacKenzie, Richard A.; Sharma, Sahadev; Bhomia, Rupesh K.; Johnson, Nels G.; Rovai, Andre S.; Worthington, Thomas A.; Krauss, Ken W.; Analuddin, Kangkuso; Bukoski, Jacob J.; Castillo, Jose Alan; Elwin, Angie; Glass, Leah; Jennerjahn, Tim C.; Mangora, Mwita M.; Marchand, Cyril; Osland, Michael J.; Ratefinjanahary, Ismaël A.; Ray, Raghab; Salmo III, Severino G.; Sasmito, Sigit D.; Suwa, Rempei; Tinh, Pham Hong; Trettin, Carl C. 2024. Four decades of data on planted mangrove ecosystem carbon stocks. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0031
Long-term effects of stand density and shrub control on ponderosa pine plantation in the Mendocino National Forest
This data publication includes tree growth measurements collected on a ponderosa pine plantation on the eastern side of California’s north Coastal range within the Grindstone Ranger District of Mendocino National Forest, Colusa County, California. Measurements include diameter at breast height (DBH at 4.5 feet) and tree condition measured in 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1996, 2005, and 2016. Tree height, height to live crown, and crown width were also measured for approximately 20 percent of the trees on each plot each measurement year except for 2005 when only tree height was the additional measurement.
Zhang, Jianwei; Finley, Kaelyn A.; Uzoh, Fabian C.C. 2024. Long-term effects of stand density and shrub control on ponderosa pine plantation in the Mendocino National Forest. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2024-0021
Pyrolysis gases measured by FTIR spectroscopy in a wind tunnel and at Ft. Jackson, SC
This data set contains pyrolysis gas composition resulting from experimental fires in longleaf pine fuel beds burned in a wind tunnel and in small experimental fires at Ft. Jackson, SC. The gases were sampled and then measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. These data were collected from the same experiments contained in the "Pyrolysis gases measured by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry from fires in a wind tunnel and at Ft. Jackson, SC" data set and many of the data files and metadata in that product describe the locations, fuels, environmental conditions and fire behavior information related to this data product.
Weise, David R.; Johnson, Timothy J.; Myers, Tanya L.; Scharko, Nicole K.; Bradley, Ashley M.; Tonkyn, Russell G.; Banach, Catharine M.; Phillips, Mark. 2024. Pyrolysis gases measured by FTIR spectroscopy in a wind tunnel and at Ft. Jackson, SC. WFSI Data Portal. https://doi.org/10.60594/W41596
Pyrolysis gases produced by fast and slow pyrolysis of foliage samples from 15 plants common to the southeastern US coastal plain
A flat flame burner was used in conjunction with a radiant panel to perform fast pyrolysis of foliage samples from 15 common fuels from the southeastern United States. A pyrolyzer (kerogen retort) performed slow pyrolysis of the same 15 fuels. This data set contains the molar ratio of the light gases (CO, CO2, H2, CH4) and condensable pyrolysis products (tars) identified using gas chromatographs. Three replications of each pyrolysis experiment were performed. The data were collected in order to compare the composition of gases produced by traditional methods of pyrolysis (this data product) with gas composition produced by pyrolysis caused by heating from a wildland flame (Wind tunnel and Ft. Jackson canister and FTIR data products). The use of trade or firm names is for information and does not imply endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture of any product or service.
Weise, David R.; Fletcher, Thomas; Safdari, Mohammad-Saeed; Amini, Elham; Dietenberger, Mark; Matt, Frederick J. 2024. Pyrolysis gases produced by fast and slow pyrolysis of foliage samples from 15 plants common to the southeastern US coastal plain. WFSI Data Portal. https://doi.org/10.60594/W4WC78
Radiocarbon ages of macroscopic charcoal fragments found in Hawaiian drylands
This data publication contains radiocarbon ages (RCA) of charcoal fragments obtained from five soil pits excavated to a depth of ≤ 1.5 meters on the leeward flanks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii. Fragments were collected and radiocarbon-dated between 2012 and 2015. RCA of fragments ranged from less than 200 years RCA (2 pieces) to 7,730 years RCA (1 piece), with 13 pieces greater than 1,500 years RCA. We also obtained genus identities for four macroscopic charcoal fragments. Data also include measurements such as charcoal weight, depth below the surface, Δ¹³C, Δ¹⁴C, and Δ¹⁴C age. These findings indicate the existence of fires before humans are known to have occupied the Hawaiian archipelago and contributes to our understanding of prehistoric fires in shaping primary succession in Hawaiian drylands.
Kinney, Kealohanuiopuna M.; Asner, Gregory P.; Cordell, Susan; Chadwick, Oliver A.; Heckman, Katherine; Hotchkiss, Sara; Jeraj, Marjeta; Kennedy-Bowdoin, Ty; Knapp, David E.; Questad, Erin J.; Thaxton, Jarrod M.; Trusdell, Frank; Kellner, James R. 2024. Radiocarbon ages of macroscopic charcoal fragments found in Hawaiian drylands. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2024-0011
Soil temperatures under ponderosa pines during prescribed burns in northern Arizona
In 1980, a study was initiated to measure soil and cambial temperatures of mature ponderosa pines in northern Arizona that occurred during prescribed burns. Over the next 25 years, soil temperature data were measured on prescribed fires on the Coconino, Kaibab, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. This data publication contains the hourly temperatures of heated soil measured with Type K sheathed thermocouples at various depths below the O2-A1 soil subhorizon interface during prescribed burns between 1981 and 2005.
Burke, Gloria M.; Sackett, Stephen S.; Haase, Sally M.; Weise, David R. 2024. Soil temperatures under ponderosa pines during prescribed burns in northern Arizona. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2024-0034
Western Micronesia wildfires (2016+) (2nd Edition)
This data publication contains vector polygon spatial data showing burn areas from wildfires in 2016-2023 on Guam, Yap State (Federated States of Micronesia-FSM), and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands-CNMI (Saipan, Tinian and Rota Islands). Burn areas from wildfire in 2015 are also provided for Guam.
Earl, Allyson R.; Geringer-frazier, Barbara L.; Dendy, Julian T.; Giardina, Christian P.; Cordell, Susan; Uowolo, Amanda L. 2024. Western Micronesia wildfires (2016+). 2nd Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0012-2
Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest natural regeneration data (Lassen National Forest, California)
Forest stands at Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest (BMEF) in northeastern California have undergone changes since the establishment of the Experimental Forest in 1934. Twelve stands were selected exhibiting a range of past management activities to establish metrics describing tree density and stocking conditions in small trees (regeneration) at Blacks Mountain. Methods chosen for plot size and configuration were designed to be similar to those used in an earlier effort (in 1933 and 1934) that quantified trees less than 3.6 inches breast height diameter. We recorded seedling and sapling counts by species group and size class at BMEF in the summer and fall of 2018. In addition to the 2018 data, this data publication also includes the compartment summary data from 1933 and 1934. Data are provided as comma-separated values (CSV) files, but scanned field sheets from 2018 are provided as well as a scan of the work by R.H. Mors in 1936 as Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Also included are PDF files of all references noted in the methods section.
Ritchie, Martin W. 2023. Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest natural regeneration data (Lassen National Forest, California). Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0049
Forest Vegetation Simulator keyword component (KCP) files associated with the compendium of silvicultural treatments for forest types in the United States
The national silviculture compendium is the first-ever compendium of silviculture treatments that cover most commercially operable forest types in the United States, built with input from a national team of silviculture experts from each National Forest System Region and Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. The compendium contains 240 silvicultural treatments, and 266 associated keyword component files (KCP) that are used with the Forest Service-supported Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), covering all regions and most commercial forest types in the United States in 2020. The treatments are based on current national forest plans and objectives but are relevant to other forested lands with similar conditions and management objectives. In part, the silvicultural compendium provides plausible real-world treatments to be used by planners, modelers, for training purposes (e.g., National Advanced Silviculture Program), and by others needing to simulate management-driven treatments with validated silvicultural parameters defined by silviculture experts from each region. Currently, KCP files for Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are available (Regions 4, 8, 9 and 10 will be added as they are finalized). This data publication also includes information files such as a complete description of the 8 main treatment types and a list of each national forest and their organization code and region. Also included is a crosswalk between the KCP files and vegetation characteristics which can be used to apply KCPs to stands within each national forest in the United States, assigning treatments by biophysical setting, NVC and Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) cover type is included. Additionally, a table documenting a broad potential application of KCP files to appropriate National Vegetation Classifications (NVC) that are not represented in the compendium but exist within a given national forest is provided. This list of treatments by NVC and forest can be used to assign treatments to areas that are otherwise unassigned treatments within the compendium.
Houtman, Rachel M.; Day, Michelle A.; Hooten, Erin; Ritchie, Martin W.; Jain, Theresa B.; Schuler, Thomas M. 2023. Forest Vegetation Simulator keyword component (KCP) files associated with the compendium of silvicultural treatments for forest types in the United States. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2022-0037
Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area trail monitoring study: 1993 vegetation and trail conditions
The Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area (HMHRNA), located in the Inyo National Forest in California, was established in 1933. In 1993, vegetation surveys were used to monitor human impacts on trails using the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) protocol. This data publication contains plant inventories and notes regarding trail impacts along 6 transects bisecting trails across 3 drainages in the HMHRNA. Also included are photographs of transect start points, end points, and an overview of each transect. These data were intended to provide a baseline for future comparisons to determine whether human impacts have been increasing, decreasing, or staying the same.
Knapp, Eric E. 2023. Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area trail monitoring study: 1993 vegetation and trail conditions. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0052
Ponderosa pine initial spacing study at Challenge Experimental Forest
This data publication includes original tree data collected as a guide to investigate the effect of initial tree spacing, brush competition, and the interaction of these two factors on growth and development of a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) plantation at the Challenge Experimental Forest in northern California. Data span over 60 years with height and diameter at breast height (if tree height reached 1.37 meters) being measured every year from 1968 to 1975, every two years from 1975 to 1985, every four years from 1985 to 2002, and every five years after that up through 2022. Other measurements recorded during these same years include tree condition codes, height to live crown, crown width (1970-2002), and volume measurements for some trees (1977-1993).
Uzoh, Fabian C.C.; Finley, Kaelyn A.; Zhang, Jianwei. 2023. Ponderosa pine initial spacing study at Challenge Experimental Forest. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0046
Resetting the baseline: Machine learning predicted meadows for 60 watersheds in the Sierra Nevada
This data publication contains the geospatial data layers generated from machine learning models. Random forest models were developed to identify potential historical meadow habitats in 60 watersheds of the Sierra Nevada, California in 2023. The models were trained using over 11,000 mapped extant meadow polygons from the Sierra Nevada MultiSource Meadow Polygons data. Geospatial predictor variables representing topographic position, relative elevation, flow accumulation, snowpack, and distance to stream channels were used to train the models to predict locations with similar hydrogeomorphic characteristics to modern meadows. This data publication includes prediction rasters representing continuous meadow probability values from 0-1 for each watershed generated by both local watershed-scale models and a Sierra Nevada-wide model. Polygon layers representing aggregated high probability meadow areas for each watershed from the local models and Sierra Nevada model are also provided. These polygons were generated by selecting contiguous pixels with values greater than 0.5 in the prediction rasters and converting to vector polygons. The provided data layers can be used to identify potential areas for meadow restoration that could increase groundwater storage, floodplain connectivity, biodiversity, and resilience to wildfire and climate change across the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The mapped historical meadow habitats greatly expand the known extent of meadows in the region.
Cummings, Adam K.; Pope, Karen L. 2023. Resetting the baseline: Machine learning predicted meadows for 60 watersheds in the Sierra Nevada. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0029
Sierra Nevada contemporary reference site boundaries and corresponding remote sensing-derived canopy structure rasters
This data publication includes spatial data for 119 contemporary reference sites within the yellow pine and mixed-conifer zone of the western Sierra Nevada ecoregion as of 2018-2020. This ecoregion encompasses eastern and central California. Fire occurrence, fire severity, and management history datasets were used to identify and delineate the contemporary reference site polygons. We provide a set of spatially explicit forest structure metrics derived from high fidelity airborne lidar data for reference sites where concurrent lidar data were available. We also provide a set of forest structure metrics developed by the California Forest Observatory (CFO) to ensure reference data were available for all sites regardless of lidar availability. Vector spatial datasets are provided individually as shapefiles and combined as an OGC geopackage. Raster layers are provided individually as GeoTIFFs. All data are available in an ArcGIS Pro Package file which also includes a file geodatabase of the spatial data and author-defined layers. Also included is a document containing site descriptions (i.e., size, ownership, climatic setting, etc.) and a set of figures showing the distribution of climatic, topographic, and forest structure metrics for all reference sites grouped by dominant climate class as well as for each individual site.
Chamberlain, Caden P.; Cova, Gina R.; Kane, Van R.; Cansler, C. Alina; Bartl-Geller, Bryce N.; Kane, Jonathan T.; Jeronimo, Sean M. A.; Stine, Peter A.; North, Malcolm P. 2023. Sierra Nevada contemporary reference site boundaries and corresponding remote sensing-derived canopy structure rasters. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0027
Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest 'Methods of Cutting' study plots 8-11: 88+ years of tree regeneration and forest understory cover data
The data presented here were collected as part of the Sierra Nevada-wide historical ‘Methods of Cutting’ (MOC) study led by USDA Forest Service silviculturist Duncan Dunning and resampled after 88+ years. These data represent forest understory cover and tree regeneration in four large forestry plots (MOC8, MOC9, MOC10, and MOC11) in what is now the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest (Stanislaus National Forest) in California. Historical data were collected before logging in 1928/1929 and almost annually after logging through 1948 to examine progress towards restocking plots in 440 milacre quadrats. After rediscovery, tree regeneration, shrub and ground cover, and presence of adult trees were re-measured partially in 2008 and fully in 2016. Data include quadrat- and individual-level seedling growth measurements as well as quadrat-level herb, shrub, and ground cover measurements. Also included are scans of original hand-drawn maps and data sheets. Maps show individual seedlings and saplings as well as shrub and ground cover between 1928 and 1948. Data sheets contain hand-written tabular data for herb and shrub cover, and tree regeneration counts by species between 1928 and 1931.
Brodie, Emily G.; Knapp, Eric E.; Abbott, Celeste S.; Carlson, Robert L.; Vossmer, Marissa A.; Bisbing, Sarah M. 2023. Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest 'Methods of Cutting' study plots 8-11: 88+ years of tree regeneration and forest understory cover data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0010
Tree monitoring data used to study the adaptability of knobcone x Monterey pine hybrids to lower-elevation, lower-quality forest sites in northwestern California
This data publication contains the data collected for a study that began in 1964, titled "Adaptability of knobcone x Monterey pine hybrids to lower-elevation, lower-quality forest sites in northwestern California". This experimental study of four tree planting test sites (East Fork Burn, Platina, Spring Gulch, and Tom Lang Gulch) was established in Siskiyou and Shasta Counties, California, on U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands. The quantitative data included in this package consist of tree survival, status, and size measured at all four sites in 1964, 1965, and 1966. These same data were also collected in 1973 for Spring Gulch and Tom Lang Gulch. Georegistered historical stem maps with digitized tree locations are also provided for Spring Gulch (1966) and Tom Lang Gulch (1965).
Looney, Christopher E.; Stewart, Joseph A.E.; Wood, Katherine E.A. 2023. Tree monitoring data used to study the adaptability of knobcone x Monterey pine hybrids to lower-elevation, lower-quality forest sites in northwestern California. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2023-0038
USDA Forest Service Air Resource Management Program: Surface water monitoring data
This publication includes data collected from aquatic ecosystems on National Forest System (NFS) lands sensitive to atmospheric pollutants that contribute to surface water acidification and eutrophication. Data were collected from 1981 to present. Data processed by the Rocky Mountain Research Station Lab from 2016 to present are available at this time. Data processed by other labs as well as data prior to 2016 will become available as resources allow. The Forest Service regions where the collection occurs include: Eastern (9), Southern (8), Pacific Southwest (5), Intermountain (4), Rocky Mountain (2) and Northern (1). Data were generally collected by Forest Service personnel working on Forest-level projects, with collection years varying by Forest and project. Data include physical and chemical properties of water samples, with measurements and analyses performed both in situ and in analytical labs.
USDA Forest Service. 2023. USDA Forest Service Air Resource Management Program: Surface water monitoring data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/NFS-DS-2023-001
Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds Phase 2 (1985-2017) data (3rd Edition)
The Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds are a long-term USDA Forest Service research site located near Fort Bragg, California in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest in a coast redwood and Douglas-fir dominated conifer forest. The site includes two experimental watersheds: the North Fork (479 hectares) and the South Fork (417 hectares). Measurements of precipitation, streamflow, and sediment transport began at Caspar Creek in 1962. Two timber harvesting experiments have been completed. The first experimental harvest (Phase 1) was a selection cut conducted in the South Fork watershed using tractor yarding in the early 1970s, prior to the implementation of the modern California Forest Practice Rules. Phase 1 of the project includes data from 1962 to 1985. Gaging stations were added in 12 subwatersheds of the North Fork by 1985 in preparation for the second experimental harvest (Phase 2, 1985-2017). From 1985 to 1992, roughly half of the North Fork watershed was logged, mainly using clearcutting and cable yarding, and following the newly-enacted Forest Practice Rules. Gaging stations were added in 10 subwatersheds of the South Fork in 2000 in preparation for a third harvesting experiment (Phase 3). Logging for the third harvest occurred in 2017-2019 in the South Fork watershed.
Richardson, Paul W.; Seehafer, Jayme E.; Keppeler, Elizabeth T.; Sutherland, Diane G.; Wagenbrenner, Joseph W.; Bladon, Kevin D.; Dymond, Salli F.; Cole, Ryan P.; Lininger, Katherine B.; Hilton, Susan J. 2022. Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds Phase 2 (1985-2017) data. 3rd Edition. Updated 10 January 2024. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0018-3
Mangrove seedling measurements at Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
This data publication contains data regarding seedlings of two species of mangroves, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Rhizophora apiculata, which were monitored for eight years (1996-2004) on the Pacific island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. They were monitored to determine the effects of canopy cover and hydrogeomorphic zone on long-term survival and growth. The study area has high annual rainfall with little seasonality. The study plots with seedling subplots were in fringe, riverine, and interior hydrogeomorphic zones along four small rivers. The height of each seedling was measured each year and was designated each time as being under an open, partially closed, or closed canopy. Additional information regarding leaf scars was also collected.
Ewel, Katherine C. 2022. Mangrove seedling measurements at Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2022-0069
Palau historical vegetation cover
This data publication contains vegetative land cover spatial data for Babeldaob Island, Palau for the years of 1921, 1947, 1954, 1976, 1992, 2001, 2006, and 2014. Land cover data were digitized using a variety of historical sources such as topographic maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. Land cover products included in this publication consist of: five (5) Esri geodatabases containing landcover classifications for 1921, 1954, 1976, 1992, and 2006; three (3) landcover image raster files for 2001, 2006, and 2014; and one (1) Esri geodatabase containing roads around Babeldaob Island, Palau.
Dendy, Julian T.; Collins, Paul; Mesubed, Dino; Cordell, Susan; Giardina, Christian P.; Uowolo, Amanda L.; Iida, Akiko. 2022. Palau historical vegetation cover. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2022-0020
Aboveground biomass in primary and second-growth forests in Hawai'i
We collected data on trees in five distinct successional forest stand types in the Puna District of Hawai'i Island: secondary succession dominated by native tree Metrosideros polymorpha ('Ōhi'a); secondary succession dominated by invasive non-native tree Falcataria moluccana (albizia); secondary succession dominated by invasive non-native tree Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava); mature primary forest dominated by M. polymorpha; and primary succession dominated by young M. polymorpha.
Hughes, Richard F.; Grossman, Dennis H.; Sowards, Travis G.; Marshall, Jonathan D.; Mueller-Dombois, Dieter. 2021. Aboveground biomass in primary and second-growth forests in Hawai‘i. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0089
California National Forests fire records 1911-1924
This data publication contains spatial locations and summary information from the fire reports from 1911-1924 for all national forests in California. These data were derived from ledgers that contained summary information from the original fire reports.
Miller, Jay D.; Knapp, Eric E.; Abbott, Celeste S. 2021. California National Forests fire records 1911-1924. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0020
Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds Phase 1 (1962-1985) data (2nd Edition)
The Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds are a long-term USDA Forest Service research site located near Fort Bragg, California in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest in a coast redwood and Douglas-fir dominated conifer forest. The site includes two experimental watersheds: the North Fork (479 hectares) and the South Fork (417 hectares). Measurements of precipitation, streamflow, and sediment transport began at Caspar Creek in 1962. Two timber harvesting experiments have been completed. The first experimental harvest (Phase 1) was a selective cut conducted in the South Fork watershed using tractor yarding in the early 1970s, prior to the implementation of the modern California Forest Practice Rules. Phase 1 of the project includes data from 1962 to 1985. Gaging stations were added in 12 subwatersheds of the North Fork by 1985 in preparation for the second experimental harvest (Phase 2). From 1985 to 1992, roughly half of the North Fork watershed was logged, mainly using clearcutting and cable yarding, and following the newly-enacted Forest Practice Rules. Gaging stations were added in 10 subwatersheds of the South Fork in 2000 in preparation for a third harvesting experiment (Phase 3). Logging for the third harvest occurred in 2017-2019 in the South Fork watershed.
This data publication contains all Phase 1 data: 1) volumetric discharge data from the North Fork and South Fork weirs from 03 November 1962 to 31 July 1985, 2) annual pond deposition volumes for the weir collection ponds directly upstream of the North Fork and South Fork weirs from 1962-1985 (deposited material includes sediment and organic debris, and 3) suspended sediment concentrations collected at the North Fork and South Fork weirs 1962-1985. Also included are a geodatabase and shapefiles containing study locations, harvest units, and watershed boundaries for Phase 1.
Richardson, Paul W.; Seehafer, Jayme E.; Keppeler, Elizabeth T.; Sutherland, Diane G.; Wagenbrenner, Joseph W. 2021. Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds Phase 1 (1962-1985) data. 2nd Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0017-2
Data from "Wildfire severity and postfire salvage harvest effects on long-term forest regeneration"
This data publication contains data from a study that evaluated long-term (15-30 year) post-fire regeneration patterns across eastern Washington. These data include both: 1) field-based measurements on seedling and sapling (< 4-meter[m]) height regeneration, overstory tree (> 4-m height), and understory vegetation, and 2) remotely sensed fire severity (Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity; Eidenshink et al. 2007), 30-year climate normals and post-fire weather (climateWNA; Wang et al. 2016), and topography data (National Elevation Dataset, http://ned.usgs.gov/).
Povak, Nicholas A.; Churchill, Derek J.; Cansler, C. Alina; Hessburg, Paul F.; Kane, Van R.; Kane, Jonathan T.; Lutz, James A.; Larson, Andrew J. 2021. Data from "Wildfire severity and postfire salvage harvest effects on long-term forest regeneration". Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0079
Forest abundance data for the Abies concolor and Abies magnifica ecotone in the central Sierra Nevada range, California
This publication includes forest composition and structure data from two observational field studies conducted across the Abies concolor-Abies magnifica ecotone in the central Sierra Nevada range of California, and data from a growth chamber experiment designed to evaluate the sensitivity of Abies concolor and Abies magnifica seedling growth and survival to current and projected future climate conditions.
Nelson, Kellen N.; O’Dean, Emily; Knapp, Eric E.; Parker, Albert J.; Bisbing, Sarah M. 2021. Forest abundance data for the Abies concolor and Abies magnifica ecotone in the central Sierra Nevada range, California. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0057
Southern California shrub and subshrub use-availability data
This data publication contains information used in the use-availability modeling of five plant species that occur in southern California shrublands: Acmispon glaber (Vogel) Brouillet, Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw., Eriodictyon crassifolium Benth., Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth., and Eriodictyon trichocalyx A. Heller. Use data (latitude, longitude of known species locations) were collected from herbarium records and field surveys. Availability data corresponds to locations in the study region where species have not been sampled. Localities are in an Albers Equal Area planar projection.
Riordan, Erin C.; Montalvo, Arlee M.; Beyers, Jan L.; Johnson, Nels G.; Williams, Matthew R. 2021. Southern California shrub and subshrub use-availability data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0060
Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest 'Methods of Cutting' study plots 8-11: 88+ years of forest composition
To study the effects of different logging methods on composition and growth of stands, early U.S. Forest Service scientists, including silviculturist Duncan Dunning, established 'Methods of Cutting' (MOC) plots in forest stands of varying composition and productivity throughout California. Four of these plots, all fully or partially on what is now the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest (Stanislaus National Forest), were established in old-growth mixed conifer stands in 1928 and 1929.
Knapp, Eric E.; Carlson, Robert L. 2021. Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest ‘Methods of Cutting’ study plots 8-11: 88+ years of forest composition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0061
Camera trap photographs from American pika haypiles in California
This image archive provides access to a reference collection of photographs from camera traps set at ten different American pika (Ochotona princeps) haypile sites in the eastern Sierra Nevada and spur ranges in Mono County, California during a 2014-2019 occupancy and activity study. Collection includes examples of various pika behaviors documented during study, such as haying, foraging, eating, cheek-rubbing, territorialism and kleptoparasitism; day and night, and during summer, fall and winter. Also includes example photographs of the 25 other mammal species and 10 bird species documented visiting the pika haypiles.
Hickman, Kenneth T.; Millar, Constance I. 2020. Camera trap photographs from American pika haypiles in California. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0039
Data for firebrands generated from selected structural fuels: Joint Fire Science Program project (15-1-04-4)
In order to have a better understanding of statistical distribution of firebrands' mass, size (projected area), and traveling distance, full-scale firebrand generation experiments were conducted. Full-scale structural components (fence, corner, and roof) and their assemblies were built from typical residential building construction materials. The samples were ignited and exposed to realistic gusty wind traces in a wind tunnel facility in the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center located in Richburg, South Carolina. Water pans were placed downwind to quench the flying firebrands immediately after landing. The distance between the center of the water pans in which the firebrands' landed and the front location of the burning sample was defined as the traveling distance. The firebrands were collected from the water pans and placed in an oven to reach zero percent moisture content. Dried firebrands were scattered on a white sheet. High-resolution pictures were captures of each sheet using a digital camera (Nikon D5600). Following that, an automated image processing algorithm using MATLAB was developed and employed to measure firebrand projected area. Using a digital balance (Sartorius H51, resolution of ±0.0001 gram), firebrand mass was measured. Experiments and raw data collection for this study were conducted from 2016-2017. The result was 50,571 firebrands collected and measured, with 24,149 from structural components and 26,422 from structural assemblies.
Hedayati, Faraz; Bahrani, Babak; Zhou, Aixi; Quarles, Stephen L.; Weise, David R. 2020. Data for firebrands generated from selected structural fuels: Joint Fire Science Program project (15-1-04-4). Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0034
Data for firebrands generated from selected vegetative fuels: Joint Fire Science Program project (15-1-04-4)
This data publication reports the experimental data of firebrands (or embers) generated from five vegetative fuels under gusty winds in a full-scale wind tunnel facility. Criteria for the selection of wildland vegetative fuels were: (1) They should be representative of typical wildland vegetative fuels in the U.S. that are prone to ignition and firebrand generation; (2) They should be accessible to experimental teams in North Carolina and South Carolina at reasonable costs. The following wildland vegetative fuels were used in this study: chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) as shrubs, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii) as trees, and little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) for grass samples. Live saw palmetto samples were collected from the Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Bluffton, SC. Loblolly pine and Leyland cypress trees were harvested on private property in Richburg, SC. Chamise samples were collected from the North Mountain Experimental Area near Riverside, CA, and shipped to the testing facility in Richburg, SC. Shipped chamise samples were reconstructed by inserting the shipped parts into wire cages. Little bluestem grass samples were collected from Texas and shipped to the testing site. Experiments and data collection took place from October 2016 through December 2017 for the Joint Fire Science Program Project: 15-1-04-4. Data provided in this package present physical properties including mass, projected area, and flying distance reported for 9,249 firebrands generated from the five wildland vegetative fuels.
Bahrani, Babak; Hedayati, Faraz; Zhou, Aixi; Quarles, Stephen L.; Weise, David R. 2020. Data for firebrands generated from selected vegetative fuels: Joint Fire Science Program project (15-1-04-4). Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2020-0035
Kings River Experimental Watersheds streamwater chemistry
The Kings River Experimental Watersheds (KREW) is a long-term research project in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada that began in the early 2000's. The project is located in the headwaters of the Kings River on the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno, California. The project has a paired-watershed design with two groups of watersheds (sites). The two sites are called Providence Creek and Bull Creek.
Hunsaker, Carolyn T.; Padgett, Pamela E. 2019. Kings River Experimental Watersheds streamwater chemistry. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0040
Ambient soil temperatures in prescribed burned ponderosa pine forests at Fort Valley Experimental Forest, Arizona
The hourly temperature in the soil at three depths beneath the forest floor of ponderosa pine stands subjected to periodic prescribed burning was measured during one growing season from May until November, 1986 at the Fort Valley Experimental Forest in northern Arizona. Temperatures were measured in 3-day periods at a subset of locations and then the recording devices were moved to a different subset so the measurements at a particular location were separated by about 4 weeks. Additional hourly data from an onsite weather station for air temperature, solar intensity, and precipitation, as well as forest floor depth (6 samples measured above soil temperature site) are included as separate files to assist in site characterization.
Sackett, Stephen S.; Haase, Sally M.; Carpenter, David C.; Weise, David R. 2018. Ambient soil temperatures in prescribed burned ponderosa pine forests at Fort Valley Experimental Forest, Arizona. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. Updated 25 September 2018. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2018-0036
Kings River Experimental Watersheds meteorology data
The Kings River Experimental Watersheds (KREW) project is a long-term forest management study that began in the early 2000's. KREW is comprised of 10 headwater catchments of the Kings River Basin within the Sierra National Forest, California. Four meteorological stations are located within KREW at elevations of 1730 meters (lower Providence), 1950 meters (upper Providence), 2160 meters (lower Bull) and 2400 meters (upper Bull). This data publication contains level 1a (i.e. quality controlled but no gap filling) snow depth, snow water equivalent, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and wind direction measurements taken every fifteen minutes at all four sites from 2002 to 2017. Also included are level 2 (i.e. quality controlled and gap filled) daily precipitation, snow depth, snow water equivalent, and minimum/maximum air temperatures. Shapefiles containing watershed boundaries and locations of the meteorological stations are also provided.
Hunsaker, Carolyn T.; Safeeq, Mohammad. 2018. Kings River Experimental Watersheds meteorology data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2018-0028
Low-density polyethylene smoke emissions from simulated debris piles
This data publication contains emission factors for 195 gaseous and particulate compounds measured during the burning of three mixtures of manzanita wood and low-density polyethylene plastic (LDPE, agricultural plastic) in a laboratory. The mixtures consisted of 2 kilograms (kg) of manzanita wood paired with 0, 5 or 50 grams (gm) LDPE. Mixtures were burned in a basket and smoke was collected above the fire. A total of nine fires (3 mixtures x 3 replications) were burned on Nov. 4, 2008 using a randomized complete block design. Smoke emitted from the fires was concentrated into a small stack system from which gas and particulate samples were extracted. Various filters and real-time instruments were used to collect the emissions. Subsequent analyses of filters and gases occurred in analytical laboratories at the University of California – Riverside over several months. Emission factors are expressed relative to kg of carbon dioxide produced. The data contains information on individual compounds which can be classified into alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, ketones, cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, monoaromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in addition to elemental carbon, organic carbon, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and NOx.
Hosseini, SeyedEhsan; Shrivastava, Manish; Cocker, David R.; Jung, Heejung S.; Weise, David R. 2018. Low-density polyethylene smoke emissions from simulated debris piles. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2018-0037
Fuel treatment and fire history within the Rim Fire in California
This data publication contains a geospatial file in raster format of wildfires and fuels treatments that occurred between 1995 and 2013 on Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park in California within the area burned by the 2013 Rim Fire, excluding the outer 500 meters of the fire perimeter. Tabular data are provided for three sets of circular sample windows of size 500 acres (ac), 2500 ac and 5000 ac within the same geospatial extent. Variables included for the sample windows are proportion burned at high severity in the Rim Fire; proportion treated/burned prior to the Rim Fire; mean values for actual evapotranspiration, water deficit, energy release component, and burning index; and proportion in shrubland, riparian, hardwood, conifer, and grassland LandFire vegetation classes. Tabular data are also provided for a set of transects within the same geographic extent that are placed along radial lines centered on the Rim Fire's origin point.
Lydersen, Jamie M.; Collins, Brandon M.; Brooks, Matthew L.; Matchett, John R.; Shive, Kristen L.; Povak, Nicholas A.; Kane, Van R.; Smith, Douglas F. 2017. Fuel treatment and fire history within the Rim Fire in California. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0020
Kings River Experimental Watersheds stream discharge
The Kings River Experimental Watersheds (KREW) project is a long term forest management study that began in the early 2000's. The KREW project is comprised of eight primary headwater catchments of the Kings River Basin within the Sierra National Forest, California. Two additional catchments (P300 and B200) were added in 2005 and 2006. The ten catchments are clustered into two groups, Providence and Bull. Providence catchments (P300, P301, P303, P304, and D102) ranged in size from 49 to 461 hectares, and had mean elevations ranging from 1,782 to 1,979 meters. Bull catchments (B200, B201, B203, B204, and T003) ranged in size from 53 to 474 hectares, and had mean elevations ranging from 2,122 to 2,373 meters. All catchments, except T003, had a dominant southwest aspect, whereas T003 faced primarily southeast. This data publication contains both the daily and 15 minute stream discharge data collected at these catchments from 2002 to 2015.
Hunsaker, Carolyn T.; Safeeq, Mohammad. 2017. Kings River Experimental Watersheds stream discharge. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0037
Overstory and understory data from a contemporary reference stand: the Beaver Creek Pinery, Lassen National Forest, CA
The Beaver Creek Pinery (BCP) is a ponderosa pine and black oak dominated stand in the Ishi Wilderness, Lassen National Forest, California. It has never been logged and due to its remoteness, has experienced more fire than many other such forests. Fires in 1990 and 1994 killed a substantial proportion of the ingrowth that is common in many other fire excluded stands, restoring a structure that is believed to be similar to what was found under historic fire regimes. This data publication contains measurements of tree, understory vegetation, and coarse woody debris variables taken in July of 1998 in the BCP, and may provide a useful reference for structural restoration of forests at similar elevations and of similar species composition.
NOTE: These data were collected with the intent of periodic re-measurement. The plots were re-measured during the summer/fall of 2016 as part of a Joint Fire Science Program funded study, and may be re-measured again in the future, for example, following disturbance/fire. As a courtesy (and to coordinate research effort) we request that the lead Primary Investigator (PI) (Knapp) be contacted prior to any additional data collection associated with these plots.
Knapp, Eric E. 2017. Overstory and understory data from a contemporary reference stand: the Beaver Creek Pinery, Lassen National Forest, CA. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0054
Raw data for urban trees in California communities
This study used data from field plots in urban areas to describe forest structure (e.g., tree numbers, density, basal area, species composition) for six land use categories in six California climate zones: Southern California Coast, Inland Empire, Inland Valley, Southwest Desert, Northern, and Interior West. Two types of field plot data were utilized. The first set of data include 702 randomly sampled 0.04 hectare (ha) plots obtained from i-Tree Eco plot data for Los Angeles (in 2007-2008), Santa Barbara (2012) and the Sacramento area (2007). The second set of data (687 plots, in 2011) consisted of 0.067 ha (four 0.017 ha subplots) plots based on the Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plot design. The number of plots collected varied by climate zone and a total of 3,796 trees were sampled. Data collection included percentage of tree canopy cover over the plot, tree species, stem diameter at breast height (1.37 meters above ground, dbh), tree height, crown width, distance and azimuth to buildings that fit the requirements as specified in the i-Tree Eco and Urban FIA manuals.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Xiao, Qingfu; de Goede, John; van Doorn, Natalie S.; Bjorkman, Jackie; Thorne, Jim H.; Hollander, Allan; Quinn, James. 2017. Raw data for urban trees in California communities. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0011
Raw urban street tree inventory data for 49 California cities
This data publication contains urban tree inventory data for 929,823 street trees that were collected from 2006 to 2013 in 49 California cities. Fifty six urban tree inventories were obtained from various sources for California cities across five climate zones. The five climate zones were based largely on aggregation of Sunset National Garden Book's 45 climate zones. Forty-nine of the inventories fit the required criteria of (1) included all publicly managed trees, (2) contained data for each tree on species and diameter at breast height (dbh) and (3) was conducted after 2005. Tree data were prepared for entry into i-Tree Streets by deleting unnecessary data, matching species to those in the i-Tree database, and establishing dbh size classes. Data included in this publication include tree location (city, street name and number), diameter at breast height, species name and/or species code, and tree type.
McPherson, E. Gregory; van Doorn, Natalie S.; de Goede, John. 2017. Raw urban street tree inventory data for 49 California cities. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0010
Timber survey data from 1911 in the Greenhorn Mountains, Sequoia National Forest
This data publication contains tabular data with measurements of tree and shrub data for a set of transects located in the Greenhorn Mountains, Sequoia National Forest in California. The transects represent a systematic timber inventory collected across a large mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine dominated landscape by the U.S. Forest Service in 1911. Trees were tallied by species and diameter within 20 x 400 meter strips that spanned the center of quarter-quarter sections (QQs) delineated by the Public Land Survey System. Shrub cover was determined using an ocular estimate and recorded qualitatively by species. Tabular data specifically include cover estimates for Chamaebatia foliolosa and an estimate for all other species as a whole; basal area for the following live trees ≥ 30.5 centimeters (cm) at diameter at breast height (dbh): Abies concolor, Calocedrus decurrens, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus ponderosa, and all conifer trees; as well as density of live conifer trees in three different dbh classes. Also included in this publication are scans of the original data collection sheets recorded in 1911.
Stephens, Scott L.; Lydersen, Jamie M.; Collins, Brandon M.; Fry, Danny L.; Meyer, Marc D. 2017. Timber survey data from 1911 in the Greenhorn Mountains, Sequoia National Forest. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0064
Tree and shrub measurements in Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, collected in 1911 and 2005–2013
This data publication contains tabular data with repeat measurements of tree and shrub data for a set of transects located in Stanislaus National Forest (STF) and Yosemite National Park (YOSE) in California. These transects represent part of a systematic timber inventory collected across a large mixed-conifer dominated landscape by the U.S. Forest Service in 1911. Trees were tallied by species, diameter and height within 40 x 400 meter (m) strips that spanned the center of quarter-quarter sections (QQs) delineated by the Public Land Survey System. Shrub cover was determined using an ocular estimate. Repeat data were collected in either 2005, 2007 or 2013 in three to four 0.1 hectare circular plots (radius 17.8 m) per transect, centered at random, non-overlapping distances along the historical transect centerline. This data publication therefore contains measurements such as the percentage cover of shrubs for multiple species, basal area of dead and live conifer trees, and density of live conifer trees with various diameters at breast height for both STF and YOSE in 1911 and the remeasurement year of 2005, 2007, or 2013.
Collins, Brandon M.; Fry, Danny L.; Lydersen, Jamie M.; Everett, Richard G.; Stephens, Scott L. 2017. Tree and shrub measurements in Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, collected in 1911 and 2005–2013. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0045
Wind and slope effects on laboratory-scale fire behavior
Wind and slope interaction effects on rate of spread, flame length and flame angle were examined in 65 fires in an open-topped tilting wind tunnel. Fuel beds consisted of vertically-oriented birch sticks and horizontally oriented aspen excelsior. A complete factorial experiment with five wind velocities (-1.1 to 1.1 meters/second) and five slope angles (-30 to 30%) arranged in a randomized complete block design was replicated twice. Flame rate of spread, flame height, and flame angle were measured using thermocouples and video imagery. Moisture content of 60 fires was 11%; 5 fires had a fuel moisture content of 35%. This data publication includes data summarizing the 65 fires, velocity profiles measured in the wind tunnel, and raw thermocouple data for the 65 fires.
Weise, David R. 2017. Wind and slope effects on laboratory-scale fire behavior. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0018
Chaparral shrub bulk density and fire behavior
This data publication contains bulk density measurements from two typical species of chaparral shrub which were harvested in 2010 from the North Mountain Experimental Area near Riverside, CA (NMEA), namely chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.). Data include shrub height, crown length, crown width, crown base height, and moisture content, as well as total mass, mass by fuel particle size class, crown volume, and calculated bulk density by shrub height segments. Also included are fire characteristics data from a companion study of fire behavior in similar individual 4-year old live chamise shrubs. The fire behavior data include shrub bulk density, moisture content and total mass consumed during each experimental run for multiple bulk density classes, wind speeds, and ignition methods. Burn time, horizontal and vertical flame spread rates, flame length and flame angle, as well as maximum mass loss rate and peak gas temperatures were also recorded. The R code used to analyze these fire characteristics in Li et al. 2017 is also included.
Li, Jing; Mahalingam, Shankar; Weise, David R. 2016. Chaparral shrub bulk density and fire behavior. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0031
Data for National Fire and Fire Surrogate study: environmental effects of alternative fuel reduction treatments
Comprised of 12 sites nationwide, the Fire and Fire Surrogates study (FFS) is a comprehensive interdisciplinary experiment designed to evaluate the economics and ecological consequences of alternative fuel reduction treatments in seasonally dry forests of the United States. The FFS deploys a common experimental design across the 12-site network, with each site consisting of a fully replicated experiment that compares four treatments: an un-manipulated control, prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and mechanical + fire. Measurements include vegetation (trees, shrubs, grasses, forbs), fuels (forest floor, features of the living vegetation, and dead wood of various sizes), soil properties (chemical and physical properties of the forest floor and mineral soil), wildlife (birds, small mammals, herps), and bark beetles. While the FFS study did have an economics component, these data were not included for several reasons: data were too highly variable, based on market conditions, variability in practices and use of machines, and the extent to which each project was subsidized.
McIver, James D.; Stephens, Scott L.; Agee, James K.; Barbour, Jamie; Boerner, Ralph E. J.; Edminster, Carl B.; Erickson, Karen L.; Farris, Kerry L.; Fettig, Christopher J.; Fiedler, Carl E.; Haase, Sally; Hart, Stephen C.; Keeley, Jon E.; Knapp, Eric E.; Lehmkuhl, John F.; Moghaddas, Jason J.; Otrosina, William; Outcalt, Kenneth W.; Schwilk, Dylan W.; Skinner, Carl N.; Waldrop, Thomas A.; Weatherspoon, C. Phillip; Yaussy, Daniel A.; Youngblood, Andrew; Zack, Steve. 2016. Data for National Fire and Fire Surrogate study: environmental effects of alternative fuel reduction treatments. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0009
Physical and chemical properties of the foliage of 10 live wildland fuels
This data package contains data from over 3000 individual fuel elements collected as part of Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) project 11-1-4-19 "Determination of the effects of heating mechanisms and moisture content on ignition of live fuels." Data were collected each month during one of two one-year periods. Species collected from the chaparral ecosystem near Riverside, California were manzanita (2013-2014), ceanothus (2013-2014), and chamise (2012-2013). Interior western species collected in Montana included Douglas-fir (2013-2014) and lodgepole pine (2012-2013); sagebrush (2012-2013) and Gambel oak (2013-2014) were collected in Utah. Southern species collected in Florida in 2013-2014 were fetterbush, gallberry and sand pine. Species were characterized as broadleaf (manzanita, ceanothus, Gambel oak, fetterbush, gallberry) and needle (chamise, sagebrush, Douglas-fir, sand pine, lodgepole pine). Broadleaf samples consisted of whole leaves; needle samples consisted of a small length of branch with the foliage attached. Although sagebrush foliage is comprised of leaves rather than needles, the sagebrush samples were characterized as needle samples because the leaves are so small. Measurements include moisture content, relative moisture content, apparent density, length, width, needle length, stem diameter, leaf thickness, leaf surface area, fresh mass, volatiles content, fixed carbon content, ash content and lipid content.
Gallacher, Jonathan R.; Lansinger, Victoria B.; Hansen, Sydney E.; Ellsworth, Taylor J.; Weise, David R.; Fletcher, Thomas H. 2016. Physical and chemical properties of the foliage of 10 live wildland fuels. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0023
Urban tree database
This data publication contains urban tree growth data collected over a period of 14 years (1998-2012) in 17 cities from 13 states across the United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and South Carolina.
Measurements were taken on over 14,000 urban street and park trees. Key information collected for each tree species includes bole and crown size, location, and age. Based on these measurements, 365 sets of allometric equations were developed for tree species from around the U.S. Each “set” consists of eight equations for each of the approximately 20 most abundant species in each of 16 climate regions. Tree age is used to predict a species diameter at breast height (dbh), and dbh is used to predict tree height, crown diameter, crown height, and leaf area. Dbh is also used to predict age. For applications with remote sensing, average crown diameter is used to predict dbh. There are 171 distinct species represented within this database. Some species grow in more than one region. The Urban Tree Database (UTD) contains foliar biomass data (raw data and summarized results from the foliar sampling for each species and region) that are fundamental to calculating leaf area, as well as tree biomass equations (compiled from literature) for carbon storage estimates. An expanded list of dry weight biomass density factors for common urban species is made available to assist users in using volumetric equations.
McPherson, E. Gregory; van Doorn, Natalie S.; Peper, Paula J. 2016. Urban tree database. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. Updated 21 January 2020. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0005
Historical tree and shrub measurements on the Stanislaus National Forest: 1911 timber survey data
This data publication contains tree and shrub measurements collected on the Stanislaus National Forest as part of a systematic timber inventory collected across a large mixed-conifer dominated landscape by the USDA Forest Service in 1911. Trees were tallied by species, diameter and height within 40 x 400 meter strips that spanned the center of quarter-quarter sections (QQs) delineated by the Public Land Survey System. Cover of shrubs and understory was determined using an ocular estimate.
Collins, Brandon M.; Lydersen, Jamie M.; Everett, Richard G.; Fry, Danny L.; Stephens, Scott L. 2015. Historical tree and shrub measurements on the Stanislaus National Forest: 1911 timber survey data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2015-0011
Marginal fire spread in live fuel beds - horizontal fuels
This data publication contains data from 240 laboratory fire spread experiments in high bulk density fuel beds of live chaparral vegetation from the North Mountain Experimental Area in California, carried out between 2003 and 2006. Fuels consisted of branches and foliage from Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise), Ceanothus crassifolius (ceanothus), Arctostaphylos glandulosa (manzanita), and Quercus berberidifolia (scrub oak). Laboratory environmental conditions, fuel bed characteristics, wind and slope values, and fire behavior data including spread success, rate of spread, flame length, and flame angle are included. Fortran code used to estimate fire behavior with FIRECAST and code to calculate rate of spread in live fuel beds is also included.
Weise, David R.; Zhou, XiangYang; Mahalingam, Shankar; Chong, Joey. 2015. Marginal fire spread in live fuel beds - horizontal fuels. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. Updated 23 March 2016. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2015-0007
Forest structure and tree ring widths from the Fire and Fire Surrogate Study - Blodgett Forest Site
This data publication contains tree density and biomass, shrub cover, and tree ring widths measured at the Blodgett Forest Research Station in the northern Sierra Nevada in California between 2001 and 2009. Plot treatments included mechanical, fire, mechanical followed by prescribed fire, and a control. Both pre- and post-treatment data are included. Specifically, the following plot-level data are included: 1) pre- and post-treatment (3 and 7 year) live tree density (in four size classes); 2) pre- and post-treatment (3 and 7 year) live tree biomass; 3) post-treatment (7 year) shrub cover; and 4) post-treatment (7 year) large snag. Tree ring widths from increment cores collected at each plot are also included.
Collins, Brandon M.; Das, Adrian J.; Battles, John J.; Fry, Danny L.; Krasnow, Kevin D.; Stephens, Scott L. 2014. Forest structure and tree ring widths from the Fire and Fire Surrogate Study - Blodgett Forest Site. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2014-0023
Fuel moisture extraction data measured to compare chainsaw and handsaw methods
This data publication contains data used in an evaluation of the effects of two common methods to collect fuel moisture content samples between November 2004 and June 2005. A chainsaw or a handheld pruning saw cut 1 inch thick disks from 3 inch lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) posts which were either wet (39 percent moisture content) or dry (15 percent moisture content). The cutting method was randomly assigned to a post and six disks were cut from each of five posts on three days resulting in a total of 90 disks (6 x 5 x 3) for each fuel moisture/cutting method combination for a total of 360 samples. Disks were oven-dried at 95 degrees Celsius in a forced air convection oven to determine oven-dry moisture content. Data include sample wet weight, sample ovendry weight, and calculated moisture content.
Haase, Sally M.; Zahn, Susan M.; Burke, Gloria M.; Corcoran, Bonni G. 2014. Fuel moisture extraction data measured to compare chainsaw and handsaw methods. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2014-0011
Southern pine defoliation growth response data
This data publication contains data associated with two studies examining the effects of simulated crown scorch to the survival and growth of southern pine. Studies were done at six plantations located in South Carolina (Aiken and Branchville), Georgia (Bainbridge and Waycross), and Florida (Palatka). Data consists of tree height and diameter at breast height (dbh) measurements for 600 plantation-grown slash pine and 600 plantation-grown loblolly pine between 1986 and 1999 after varying degrees of manual defoliation (0, 33, 66, 95, or 100 percent) were applied during different seasons. The number of annual grown flushes was also recorded on two different occasions. The data also include dbh and tree height measurements, from 1993 to 2012, for 450 plantation-grown longleaf pine after varying degrees of manual defoliation (0, 95, or 100 percent) during the fall and early winter.
Weise, David R.; Wade, Dale D.; Johansen, Ragnar W.; Combs, David C.; Ach, Edward E. 2014. Southern pine defoliation growth response data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. Data publication updated 19 September 2014. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2014-0019
Wildland fire emission factors database
Smoke emission factors (EFs) have been developed for a variety of wildland fuels beginning in the late 1960s. Many of these EFs have been presented in a variety of outlets and there is no centralized repository containing many of the EFs developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This data publication contains a compilation of emission factors for a variety of smoke components which have been presented in refereed as well as gray literature (literature that has not been published commercially or is not generally accessible) from the late 1960s through 2011. Included in this data publication is a list of all smoke emissions related literature found during this same time period (including part of 2012), and any that were funded by the USDA Forest Service are included in the data publication download.
Lincoln, Emily; Hao, WeiMin; Weise, David R.; Johnson, Timothy J. 2014. Wildland fire emission factors database. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2014-0012